Three million Uighur Muslims are estimated to be detained in Chinese concentration camps. Thousands of Yazidis, Christians, and others live on the edge of extinction in their ancient homelands in Iraq and Syria after the Islamic State’s genocidal rampage against them. Prisoners of conscience around the world are incarcerated for their beliefs, actions, or peaceful advocacy in support of their faith. The United States must continue and expand its work in support of religious freedom worldwide.

This is why it is so important that Congress reauthorize the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom. USCIRF is an independent, bipartisan U.S. federal government commission dedicated to defending the universal right to freedom of religion or belief abroad. Composed of expert commissioners and a dedicated professional staff, USCIRF reviews the facts and circumstances of religious freedom violations and makes policy recommendations to the president, secretary of state, and Congress.